As you may be aware, the EPFO had earlier launched a new software to streamline the monitoring and supervision of the performance of the exempted establishments and trusts under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (“EPF Act”). By way of a circular dated 29th May, 2017 (reported below) the EPFO had directed all exempted trusts and establishments to submit online returns from October, 2016 till the present date.

However, the EPFO has observed that all the exempted establishments have not filed the prescribed returns till date. Thus, the EPFO has directed all the Regional Provident Fund Commissioners/ Officers-In charge of the field offices to ensure that all the exempted establishments file the prescribed returns by 25th July, 2017.

It is further informed that non-filing of prescribed returns under the new software within 25th July, 2017 would lead to inspection and subsequent action for cancellation of exemption of such establishments after giving them an opportunity for hearing.